#99. Fall Fun and a Wonderful Winter

We are pretty sure that fall is our favorite time of year living in Evanston.  As the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves change color, there is always so much fun to be had as everyone tries to squeeze the most out of the last of good outdoor weather.

Halloween is always a great time...this year the twins dressed up as twins...Princess Leia & Luke Skywalker!

Luke and Leia enjoyed trick-or-treating down Central Street...

...at 'Aunt Rose's' home nextdoor...

...and scavenging the neighborhood with other like-costumed friends!

There were some gorgeous days in October and November that led to photographic opportunities.

This really cool climbing tree a block away in Independence ('Alley') Park made a great fall backdrop.

Both twins wedged themselves between the tree branches...

...and Howie was even up for a pose!

Speaking of Howie, we are definitely coming to love our new pet more and more every day.  

He is growing so fast...

...has shown a liking for tennis...

...and started taking over the entire couch during his naps!!

Fall always seems short and soon the holiday season was upon us.

We picked up our Christmas tree at Poor Bob's Tree Lot...

...and the twins had a chance to catch up with Santa at a local mall.

Grandpa & Grandma Knapp made the trip north from Eureka to enjoy the holiday with us this year.

Santa was good to the twins once again...

...they both opened some pretty cool gifts...

...and Howie scored a stocking too!

These two are as tall as the fireplace mantle now...

...and inching up the tree pretty darn fast!

It was definitely happy holidays for ur family!

We had a weird winter, weather-wise.  There was some snow and some cold, but neither synced up much to allow for the typical outdoor activities (the Howell Park ice rink only happened for a short stint right before Christmas!).  

It didn't stop these cousins from getting out for a few...

...slides down the hill at Lovelace Park.

Here's to hoping for more sledding fun next year!

The best way to get through the winter was...being indoors!  Both twins kept a busy schedule with their athletics.  

Clare joined the Evanston High School feeder basketball team, which was definitely a big step in commitment and competition.

There were two practices a week...

...and games all over north and south Chicagoland on the weekends.

Clare learned a lot about playing basketball.

Her dribbling improved...

...she learned to play good defense...

...her shooting improved...

...and she even made a couple free throws!

Most importantly, she learned how to be a good teammate...

...and how to celebrate the wins and learn from the losses. 

The biggest perk of the season was playing halftime at a Northwestern women's basketball game.

It was pretty awesome watching Clare and her teammates...

...dribble ...

...and shoot the ball on such a storied court.  

After the game, the feeder girls got to meet the Cats up close and personal...

...and secured some autographs.

The first year of 'feeder' basketball was a huge success...

...and Clare can't wait to do it again next winter.

Running concurrently with the feeder basketball program (which meant an additional practice and game for Clare each week!)...

...both Luke...

...and Clare played basketball for their Kingsley Elementary 3rd grade co-ed team.

The season was short but the twins...

...enjoyed playing with...

...and sometimes against their closest friends.

We parents definitely enjoyed watching the kids play and become good sports.

In two seasons, the scrappy Kingsley Comets won all of their games (except for one loss and one tie)...

...and a great time was had by all!

While Clare was immersed in basketball, Luke continued to show improvement in his karate.

He continues to attend classes at the Wilmette Dojo...

...and works hard at his skills each week.

Luke's improvement in movement and coordination has been fun to watch...

...and he seems to be having fun (here sparring with one of his best buddies) at the same time! 

We are proud to say that Luke started the winter as a green belt...

...and recently worked his way up to...

...and earned his low blue belt.  

That's a wrap on another fall and winter in Evanston!

We love the fall...but are looking forward to the warmth and excitement of spring leading to summer!